University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Seattle Colleges?

Seattle Colleges asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 100, with a Production subscore of 100, for college-level programmes such as University Transfer and Career Training. Lower scores still lead to admission: 80 to 95 places you in College Bridge Levels 3 to 5, and 40 or 60 in Intensive English.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

Seattle Colleges Duolingo placement levels

From Seattle Colleges' English proficiency page. Each level needs the same Production subscore as the overall score.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
University Transfer, High School Completion Plus, Career Training, short-term certificate100Production 100
College Bridge Level 595Production 95
College Bridge Level 490Production 90
College Bridge Level 380Production 80
Intensive English Level 260Production 60
Intensive English Level 140Production 40

How Seattle Colleges uses Duolingo scores

All applicants must show their current English level, including those going to the Institute of English (SCIE). The page gives no Duolingo validity period.

Completing SCIE's College Bridge Level 5 also meets the college-level requirement.

For comparison, the same page asks IELTS Academic 6.0 with Writing 5.0 for college-level programmes, per Seattle Colleges.

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If your Duolingo score is below 100

You are still admitted and placed by score: College Bridge Levels 3 to 5 for 80 to 95, Intensive English Levels 1 and 2 for 40 and 60, and Intensive English Fundamentals below that. Completing College Bridge Level 5 then moves you into college programmes.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Seattle Colleges programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Seattle Colleges need for college classes?+

100 overall with a Production subscore of 100.

Does Seattle Colleges check Duolingo subscores?+

Yes. Each level needs a Production subscore equal to the overall score.

Can I enrol with a lower Duolingo score?+

Yes. 80 to 95 places you in College Bridge, and 40 or 60 in Intensive English.

What is Seattle Colleges' IELTS equivalent?+

IELTS Academic 6.0 with Writing 5.0 for college-level programmes.

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Related

Guide updated on 1 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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